Welsh Liberal Democrats have called upon the Assembly government to explain why investment in skills and education has seen cuts deeper than any other area of Assembly expenditure.
Commenting on the budget Kirsty Williams said: “We’re in the middle of a recession that is hitting young people particularly hard. We’re also struggling to provide the skill base that will drive economic growth in Wales for years to come. To hit colleges and training providers with a 5% cut at this time makes little sense. Our post-16 education providers are already struggling to balance the books, these cuts could be devastating.”
“The Webb report on FE highlighted the desperate need for investment in our colleges and highlighted the poor deal Welsh colleges get compared to English counterparts. If we’re serious about bringing the Welsh economy in line with that of the rest of the UK, we need to maintain investment in the key drivers for growth: skills, infrastructure and business support. This budget is heavy on sticking plaster solutions, light on long term strategy – we risk digging ourselves into a hole.”
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